Bacon Pimiento Cheese Food

BACON-WRAPPED PICKLES STUFFED WITH PIMENTO CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Use a small spoon to scoop out the center of each pickle half, creating a long well. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the pickle wells. Fill each pickle well with about 2 teaspoons of the pimento cheese. Smooth out into an even layer.
• Place the bacon strips in between paper towels on top of a microwave-safe plate. Microwave until slightly cooked, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Wrap 1 strip of bacon around each pickle half and secure it with a toothpick or by tucking it under the pickle half.
• Lay the wrapped pickles on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

BACON-PIMIENTO CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F.
• Reserve 2 Tbsp. chopped bacon for later use.
• Combine remaining bacon with remaining ingredients; spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray.
• Bake 30 to 35 min. or until cheeses are completely melted and dip is heated through.
• Sprinkle with reserved bacon.

BACON-PIMENTO CHEESE

Steps:

• Fry bacon in a skillet until crisp; remove bacon and drain on a paper-towel lined plate; crumble bacon.
• In a mixing bowl, stir the bacon, cheeses, and remaining ingredients together.
• Serve immediately.

PIMIENTO CHEESE AND BACON GRITS

Steps:

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove it to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Meanwhile, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the grits and salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
• Stir in the half-and-half and cook until the grits are tender and creamy, about 20 more minutes.
• Add the pimientos, cream cheese, Cheddar and mustard and stir until melted together and combined. Chop the bacon into small pieces and add to the grits. Stir in the pepper and serve.
• If making ahead, allow the dish to cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat, covered in foil, at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until heated through.

PIMIENTO CHEESE-BACON BURGER

Steps:

• Whisk the mayonnaise, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Add the red peppers, white Cheddar and yellow Cheddar and gently fold until combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
• Meanwhile, preheat the grill to high for direct grilling. Divide the ground chuck into four equal portions, 6 ounces each. Form each portion into a 3/4-inch burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. Brush both sides of the burgers with the oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Grill the burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on both sides and cooked to desired doneness, about 4 minutes each side for medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each burger and close the grill lid. Cook until the cheese has just melted, about 1 minute.
• Place the burgers on the buns and top with the bacon, onions, tomatoes, pickles and lettuce if desired.

PIMIENTO CHEESE & BACON BURGER

Steps:

• Preheat grill to medium-high.
• Process the cream cheese, mayo, cheddar, and seasonings for the Pimiento Cheese. Add Pimientos, pulse to combine.
• Shape ground chuck into eight 4-oz. portions on wax paper. Press each portion into a 4" patty using a fork, then season with salt and pepper.
• Top 4 patties with a slice of onion. Cover with remaining patties, seal edges with a fork, and season again. Grill burgers on an oiled grate for 4 minutes; flip, and cook 2 minutes more.
• Spoon 1/4 cup Pimiento Cheese on each burger, grill 2 minutes longer. Serve on kaiser rolls with bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

PIMENTO CHEESE WITH BACON

Steps:

• In a food processor, pulse together the cream cheese, cheddar, and monterey jack cheeses with mayonnaise and onion powder.
• Add pimentos and relish and pulse until blended but still chunky.
• Stir in bacon, transfer to a bowl, cover and chill at least 1 hour.